18 October 2019 – The man at the helm of the world’s largest trading place for print and digital content, Dr. Juergen Boos, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Frankfurt Book Fair (FBF), warmly welcomed on 17 October 2019 the Honorable Loren Legarda, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, at the city’s Convention Center, which is currently hosting the 71^st running of the FBF.

Dr. Boos expressed his appreciation to the Deputy Speaker for the gracious hospitality shown to him during his recent visit to the Philippines.  As President and CEO of FBF, Dr. Boos is responsible for staging the gathering of several thousand representatives of book publishers, multimedia and technology companies and content providers from all over the world, who negotiate international publishing rights and license fees.

Deputy Speaker Legarda congratulated Dr. Boos for another successful Fair, tipping her hat to the German business executive for again spearheading the overall management of the event.  A total of 7,450 exhibitors from 104 countries, including the Philippines, are taking part in the Fair, which is running from October 16 to 20.

Deputy Speaker Legarda is leading the largest-ever Philippine contingent to the annual Book Fair, with 16 co-exhibitors from the country’s publishing industry and officials representing the National Book Development Board, Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Trade & Industry.  Moreover, the Philippine pavilion has expanded in size – from 48 square meters in 2018 to 120 square meters this year.

The Representative from Antique has been a staunch advocate of the Philippines’ participation in the world’s most significant cultural events, including the Frankfurt Book Fair and Venice Biennale.  “Our continuing presence with 16 participating publishers has been made possible by Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, especially during her term as senator.  She is also responsible for our continuing participation at the Venice Bienale, focusing on Philippine visual art and architecture,” said National Book Development Board Chair Neni Sta. Romana-Cruz.  Prior to her support of such cultural gatherings, Philippine attendance were irregular and subject to the whims of past officials.

Deputy Speaker Legarda was among the special guests at the Book Fair’s ceremonial opening last October 15, which was graced by Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, this year’s Guest of Honor country.  The guest country presents its literature and culture at the Fair in Frankfurt, as well as many other locations throughout Germany.  The Deputy Speaker is leading efforts for the Philippines to be accorded such status within the next few years, a feat that would provide the country with unparalleled recognition and attention in the literary field.  (END)

 

 

Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda delivered an engaging lecture on Philippine weaving  tradition  entitled, Piňa-Seda  Weaving and Embroidery in  the Philippines,  before students and professors of Ruhr University on 15 October 2019 in Bochum, Germany.

She  underscored   that “the piňa–seda weaving and embroidery are only a few of hundreds of stories of the  Philippine weavers.”  She expressed  hope that through the combined  efforts of her office and the Consulate, the Philippines can further enrich the Philippine weaving tradition and make the  piňa–seda  textile a prized item in Germany and the rest of Europe.

The  Deputy Speaker  explained  the process  of piňa-seda weaving  and embroidery  for piňa-seda, and expounded on the importance of promoting traditional textiles as they bring together industries, communities,  and people.

“The strengthening of the local tropical fabrics industry is attuned to our advocacy of promoting sustainable  development  and preserving  our rich  heritage. It will also provide jobs especially for  those  in  the  countryside.   Furthermore,  it  unlocks  the  creativity  of  Filipinos,  which  is overflowing,” the Deputy Speaker said.

Consul General  Evelyn D. Austria-Garcia expressed appreciation to Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) officials, professors  and students  and  hoped that the  Deputy  Speaker’s  lecture  has sparked further interest in Philippine culture and studies.

The event is the first time that a high-level elected Philippine government official delivered such lecture at the German University.  The activity forms part of the Consulate’s efforts to promote Philippine  culture under its jurisdiction.  It  is also an offshoot  of the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Travelling Exhibition,  an exhibition  featuring  piňa-seda woven and embroidered  fabrics from Aklan weavers and Laguna embroiderers,  that was presented by the Consulate  in November last year.

The lecture signals the start of a series of lectures, conference, seminars, and other activities concerning  the Philippines at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) in line with the agreement  that was signed by the Consulate and RUB to promote Philippine studies earlier in the day. END

An agreement between the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt and Ruhr University Bochum creating a Philippine studies program was signed on 15 October 2019 in Bochum, Germany.

Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, a staunch advocate of Philippine culture and principal sponsor of the project, witnessed the signing of the agreement by Consul General Evelyn D. Austria Garcia and  Prof.  Axel  Scholmerich,  Rector of  Ruhr University Bochum  (RUB). After  the ceremony,  Deputy Speaker  Legarda delivered  a  lecture  on  Philippine textile tradition  to students of Ruhr University. She also visited an exhibition of Philippine ethnographic objects at  the  University’s  exhibition  area  at  the  GA  Building  and  participated  in  a  roundtable discussion with University professors from different faculties with interests in the Philippines.

The agreement involves the donation of t-5,000,000 (or approximately EUR83,000) to support academic and research activities on Philippine matters, and the creation of a center that would serve as a hub for Philippine-related projects.

Ruhr University\ is one of Germany’s leading universities. It is expected to conduct courses, seminars, lectures, conferences and other activities concerning the Philippines, coordinate academic  research and  teaching  about the  Philippines, and organize  research visits for scholars in the Philippines and vice-versa.  RUB will also enhance its acquisition of Philippine books, journals and other publications for the University’s library.

Consul General Austria-Garcia applauded the significant support of Deputy Speaker Legarda for the project and expressed appreciation to RUB officials for their deep interest in the study of the Philippines.

‘We deeply appreciate  the  invaluable  support of Deputy Speaker  Legarda as we embark on this academic  collaboration  between  the Consulate  and RUB. We also appreciate  the deep interest  and  commitment  of officials  and professors  to advance  Philippine  studies  at  Ruhr University.  It is my hope that this project will enhance greater understanding of the Philippines, strengthen cultural ties and people-to-people relations between our countries,” Consul General Austria-Garcia  said.

Rector  Prof.  Scholmerich  stated  that  the  university  “will  do  its  best  in  implementing  the programs  and projects under the agreement” and expressed  hope that the project would the start fruitful  collaboration  between the two sides.

The signing ceremony was also attended  by Prof.  Dr Kornelia Freitag,   Vice Rector of RUB, Ms. Monika Sprung, Director for International Affairs, Prof. Roger Friedlein, Vice Consul Fatima Mejilla Mueller, and Ms. Sheree Mangunay-lnfante of the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda.

RUB, which is located on the southern hills of central Ruhr area Bochum and about three hours away from  Frankfurt,  was  founded  in  1962  as  the  first  new  public university in  Germany after World War II. END

Bochum, Germany — Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda today said that the Philippine piña-seda textile has great potential in the world textile market. Legarda continues to highlight the world-class talent, ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Filipino people, reflected in the traditional textiles produced through synergy among workers and artisans.  Piña-seda is a traditional fabric made from pineapple silk.

Legarda made the statement during her lecture on Philippine Textiles at the Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany, saying that the Philippine piña-seda can be considered prized items even in Europe as in the past years because of the quality of the handwoven fabric with intricate embroidery.

The Deputy Speaker’s lecture marks the start of the collaboration between the Philippine government and Ruhr University to offer courses on and promote Philippine Studies.

Legarda—a staunch advocate of arts and culture promotion and patron of the country’s first permanent textile gallery, Hibla ng Lahing Filipino, which has now travelled to different parts of the world—shared how much hard work is needed to produce a fabric from piña-seda.

“A piña-seda fabric or garment is a product of diligence, hard work, and passion. For piña-seda, you would need 12 people to produce the fabric; about three people will do the embroidery work; and, two designers and sewers. This means that a handwoven and embroidered piña-seda blouse would entail at least 17 people to complete one piece,” said Legarda.

Despite the overwhelming support and patronage received from the international community by the Hibla travelling exhibitions, Deputy Speaker Legarda noted some of the continuing challenges faced in the production of piña-seda textiles, such as the limited supply of silk, supply or manufacturer of knotted pineapple fiber, and the declining number of weavers.

“Through the Hibla initiative, we have brought our weaving communities at the center stage, closer to the global arena where weaving traditions and textiles, such as piña-seda will be appreciated in a different light. However, we cannot deny factors that challenge our production of such textiles,” she said.

Legarda cited the following factors that impose constraints on the sustainability of the industry: 1) the low confidence in the profitability of sericulture and the lack of integration of the supply and value chain in silk production; 2) extreme heat during summer season, or extended periods of drought; 3) the tedious process of hand-scraping the piña fiber; 4) the irregular demand for piña cloth products due to its being a high-priced fabric; 5) the lack of capital to purchase raw materials, looms, and other tools by the workers; and, 6) the lack of training on weaving and product development.

However, Legarda said that “the local textile industry is continuously evolving and these challenges only encourage the need to innovate among stakeholders.”

“To ensure the sustainability of the local textile industry, there is a need for convergence among the agencies of government involved—from the production of raw materials, to trainings and workshops, provision of equipment and materials, product development and promotion program, and a systematic marketing system,” Legarda added.

During her stint as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Legarda ensured that programs that will help farmers, weavers and local textile manufacturers—such as the development of silk and piña fiber received adequate support through additional funding in the national budget.

“The strengthening of the local fabrics industry, such as the piña-seda is attuned to our advocacy of promoting sustainable development and preserving our cultural identity. The potential of Philippine piña-seda in the world textile market presents invaluable opportunity to showcase the Filipino people’s creativity, ingenuity and excellent craftsmanship,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda also authored the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law during her first term as Senator, which aimed to promote Philippine natural fabrics through the use of such materials for the official uniforms of government officials and employees.***

https://frankfurtpcg.de/895-2

 

05 September 2019 — Photo above shows (left to right) Deputy Consul General Emil Fernandez, Dr. Jurgen Ratzinger, Managing Director for International Business of the Chamber of Commerce
& Industry (IHK) of Frankfurt am Main, Consul General Evelyn Austria-Garcia and Mr. Johannes Richter, Unit Head for India and Southeast Asia of IHK Frankfurt. The Chamber has 111,000
member companies, 22,000 of which have an international background.

 

27 August 2019 – Consul General Evelyn Austria-Garcia and Tourism Director Margarita Valdes of PDOT-Frankfurt officially opened the Music Stage of the 2019 Museumsuferfest in Frankfurt with a lechon-cutting ceremony on 23 August 2019.  They were joined in the stage by Dr. Stephan Siegler, President of the Frankfurt City Council, and other local officials.

 

PDOT-Frankfurt again partnered with the Frankfurt Music Stage, one of the biggest stages in the Festival that features artists and bands performing a mix of local and international hits.  Included among the Music Stage’s performers this year were popular German personalities Kerstin Ott, Julian David, Samuel Roesch and Vincent Gross.  The Philippines was represented by the energetic all-girl group 4^th Impact, who gained international recognition for their participation in the television show, X-Factor UK.  Their video on YouTube showing the group’s audition has garnered over 140 million views, the most in the TV show’s history.  The quartet electrified Filipinos and Germans alike with their rendition of chart toppers by iconic artists Freddie Mercury, Pink, Michael Jackson, Beyonce and Jessie J, among others.

Completing the visitors’ “Philippine” experience were a photo booth with an idyllic beach setting in the country’s islands as a background and the food truck, Mr. Adobo, which served dishes that included lechon kawali, lumpia and chicken barbecue.

Museumsuferfest is the biggest annual event in Frankfurt, hosting around 2 million visitors from various parts of Germany and neighboring countries.  For 3 days during the summer, Frankfurt’s museum bank along the Main River is converted into one big festival with stages and booths covering an 8-kilometer stretch on both sides of the river.  (END)

23 August 2019 — In celebration of the 2019 Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa, two Ilocano documentary films, Am-amma (2018) and Tata Pilo (2019), were shown at the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt on 23 August 2019. The films featured the Tingguian weaving culture and the legacy of Teofilo “Tata Pilo” Garcia, a National Living Treasure awardee for his traditional ‘kattukong’ hat-making in Abra. The event was attended by some 35 members of the Filipino-German community in Frankfurt, who expressed appreciation for the cultural activity and opportunity to learn about Tingguian weaving and ‘kattukong’ hat-making. END

The Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, Germany wishes to congratulate Honorable Congresswoman Loren Legarda for being named as one of the Deputy Speakers for the Eighteenth Congress of the Philippines. The three-term Senator, now Congresswoman, was instrumental in the opening of the Consulate General this year. She has fully supported the Consulate General’s economic and cultural diplomacy initiatives.

Again, congratulations Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda!

https://frankfurtpcg.de/727-2